What Is Collagen Banking?

For decades, skincare brands have overpromised and mainly under-delivered when it comes to the expectation that one expensive pot is going to miraculously take ten years off our tired faces. However, there are successful ways to reignite your collagen supply – enter ‘collagen banking’. 

What Is Collagen Banking?

Collagen banking refers to the act of stimulating your natural collagen supply through treatments and skincare products in your twenties and thirties, storing it up so your body will have more of it later, when your skin begins to show signs of ageing. A combination of at home and in-clinic treatments are needed to get really noticeable results.

But Wait, What Is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, and is essential for our health. It maintains the structural integrity of bone and joints, and, with skin, it is collagen that maintains plumpness, elasticity and smoothness.

How Can We Boost Our Collagen Supplies?

For starters, Dr Ahmed El Muntasar GP advises us how to protect our supply. ‘The main way to keep collagen healthy is preventing it from breaking down,’ he says. ‘Using a good quality retinol in your skincare regime, eating leafy greens, and wearing an SPF everyday can help considerably.

‘Vitamin C also plays an essential role in the synthesis of collagen and maintaining the integrity of the skin’s structural proteins,’ he adds. ‘The best way is to take it is as a supplement – I recommend Altrient C, which uses a liposomal encapsulation technology to ensure maximised absorption.’

Do Collagen Supplements Work?

Some people swear by their collagen supplements, and some don’t see a difference. So how do they work? Dr Sophie Shotter believes that in the right formulation, taking collagen supplements absolutely work. ‘Ideally 8 -10,000mg of hydrolysed collagen peptides that are fragmented to between two and four kilodaltons in size will trick your body into thinking that these fragments indicate trauma and skin repair is urgently needed. This then stimulates fibroblasts to produce more collagen.’ Try Absolute Collagen’s Marine Liquid Collagen Drink For Women.

What About Derma Rollers?

When the skin is intentionally damaged, through professional and controlled procedures such as micro-needling, laser, microdermabrasion or chemical peels, the body’s natural healing response is triggered to regenerate collagen and heal the injured skin. Although these treatments should only be carried out by a professional, good quality home derma rollers are a great addition to your skincare regime. I also love the injectable hyaluronic acid skin booster Seventy Hyal 2000, as it provides incredible results, instantly hydrating your skin for an immediate glow, while boosting natural collagen and elastin production. A course of three is recommended – as a facialist (and beauty director), I’ll be offering these myself at Omniya Clinic from November.

Featured image: Anna Shvets, Pexels